CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
The forest whispers secrets in the rustling leaves above as we navigate through the dense underbrush, Love's hand clasped firmly in mine. Kyle prowls ahead of us, his senses sharp and searching for any clue left by Silas. The damp earth beneath our feet releases a rich, pungent scent that tickles my nostrils, reminding me that I am part of this wild world.
"Over here," Kyle calls out softly.
I quicken my pace, tugging Love along with an urgency that mirrors my pounding heart. We reach Kyle, who is standing before a tree marked with three deep claw marks—Silas's signature sign. Hope flares within me like a freshly kindled flame. He's alive. He's leaving us a trail to follow.
"Good job, Kyle," I whisper, offering him a grateful smile.
"Let's keep moving," he replies,
